Time flew, and in the blink of an eye, more than half a year had passed.
During that time, Lin Mo lived a simple life, shuttling between two places.
He was either cultivating or on his way to class.
Though Shrek Academy was shabby and run-down, it still offered regular academic classes.
Today, however, he planned to take a long trip.
After returning from a lavish meal with Xiao Wu, Lin Mo went straight to the dean's office.
Knock, knock, knock~
A knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
A reply soon came from inside.
Lin Mo pushed the door open and entered.
He saw a stack of bills on Flender's desk.
They listed all the various debts Shrek Academy owed.
"Lin Mo~ what brings you here?"
Seeing the academy's prodigy, Flender asked with a smile.
At the same time, he wondered whether he should send him to the Great Soul Arena to earn some money.
"Dean, I'd like to request leave for a trip. I might be gone for quite a while."
Lin Mo got straight to the point and explained why he had come.
Yesterday, he had successfully absorbed the fused 77,000-Year Soul Ring Card.
He had now reached the rank of a level 42 Soul Ancestor.
If he continued cultivating diligently, one step at a time...
It would take at least two or three years to make any breakthrough.
But he could not wait that long. He had to improve his strength as quickly as possible!
As for a way to grow stronger quickly, he already had an idea.
"Another long trip? You really are a student who never lets me rest easy."
Flender shook his head helplessly and sighed.
What kind of student ran off all the time like he did?
Instead of staying at the academy and cultivating properly, he spent all day thinking about venturing out.
"Fine. You have your own way of cultivating, so I won't say too much. Stay safe."
Finally, he waved his hand and spoke helplessly.
Over the past half year and more, he had witnessed the young man's strength firsthand.
Only one word could describe him: monstrous!
Perhaps venturing out into the world really did suit him.
"Thank you, Dean. I'll be going, then."
Lin Mo nodded, thanked him, then turned and left.
Watching the young man's retreating figure, Flender grew thoughtful.
"In just a year since enrolling, his soul power has risen from level thirty to level thirty-six, and he can even obtain soul rings on his own. I wonder which secluded elder he inherited his teachings from?"
Anyone capable of nurturing such a prodigy had to be a powerful backer!!
Having someone like him join Shrek Academy was a great blessing.
Little did he know, everything he saw was merely the outward strength Lin Mo wanted him to see.
Meanwhile.
After leaving the academy, Lin Mo immediately took out a map.
Every town and soul beast forest on the continent was marked on it.
Such maps could be bought anywhere and were nothing rare.
Sunset Forest... I wonder whether Dugu Bo has discovered that place yet. Let's go take a look.
Looking at the red circle drawn on the map, Lin Mo muttered inwardly.
That was right. His destination this time was Sunset Forest!
Or, more precisely, the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well!!
Dugu Bo had most likely already claimed that treasure trove of immortal herbs.
But so what? Even if he could not seize the place, he could still snatch a few immortal herbs!
Or he could wait for an opportunity to sneak inside.
If I remember correctly, that old fellow should be a level 90 Titled Douluo. I can't kill him, but exchanging a few moves shouldn't be a problem.
With the physique and mental power of a Soul Douluo...
Plus four Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bones and one forty-thousand-year external soul bone...
He refused to believe he could not exchange even a few moves with a level 90 Titled Douluo.
As long as he could buy some time, he would have a chance to snatch the immortal herbs.
Then he could grease his heels and make a clean getaway.
If all else failed, could he disguise himself as Tang Hao and give Dugu Bo a scare?
Considering his options, Lin Mo made his way into Suotuo City.
He boarded a carriage directly, heading for the town nearest Sunset Forest.
As for why he did not simply fly there...
It was too close to Heaven Dou City.
If another Titled Douluo spotted him, he would be in trouble.
Apart from anyone else, Porcupinefish Douluo and Snake Lance Douluo were both at Qian Renxue's side.
Once discovered, he truly would be unable to escape even with wings.
Sunset Forest.
A stubble-faced, middle-aged man in a black cloak flew through the sky at tremendous speed.
If Tang San had been there, he would surely have recognized him.
Wasn't that his father-Tang Hao?
The Sun Douluo had emerged from seclusion!!
"Excellent, excellent! I, Tang Hao, have returned!!"
Clenching his fist slightly, Tang Hao felt his own strength and smiled in satisfaction.
Level ninety-six soul power swept unrestrained in every direction!!
The pressure and aura of a Super Douluo raged, chilling anyone to the bone!!
"Hmm? Found it at last."
Looking at the area shrouded in poison miasma ahead, Tang Hao smiled faintly, excitement flashing in his eyes.
Such dense poison miasma was clearly the work of a Titled Douluo.
From the looks of it, the old fellow was indeed a Titled Douluo.
But he, the Sun Douluo, was no pushover either!!
"Hmph!! What venomous vermin has claimed this mountain as his kingdom?!"
Tang Hao threw back his head and roared, his voice shaking the heavens with overwhelming force!!
It instantly rang throughout the entire valley ahead.
He looked awe-inspiring, as though he could pierce the sky itself!!
"Who?! How dare you disturb my secluded cultivation!! And you even call me venomous vermin!! You must be looking to..."
As the words rang out, a figure shot out of the valley at tremendous speed!!
He moved so quickly that he arrived before him in the blink of an eye.
But once he saw the visitor clearly and sensed that terrifying aura...
His pupils instantly contracted, his hair stood on end, and his expression changed drastically as he hurriedly stopped speaking.
Then he hastily cupped his hands in greeting and said with utmost respect:
"Poi... Dugu Bo greets you, senior. May I ask your title? What instructions have you come to this Cold Valley to give?"
After speaking, a thin sheen of cold sweat seeped across his forehead, and his heart churned with unease.
He was already cursing himself for having acted so rashly!
His unguarded tongue had actually offended a Super Douluo!!
"I am Clear Sky!! Passing through here, I took a fancy to a few little plants in your valley. I intend to pick them and bring them back for my dear son Tang San to taste!"
Clear Sky spoke calmly, his tone indifferent.
It was as though he were discussing some utterly insignificant matter.
Everything sounded perfectly reasonable.
Yet the aura radiating from him grew colder and more terrifying.
"Cl... Clear Sky Douluo?!"
As soon as that title was spoken, Dugu Bo trembled all over and instinctively swallowed.
He stared at the slovenly middle-aged man before him in disbelief.
Who had not heard of that name?
The great battle eleven years ago had shaken the world!!
Spirit Hall had suffered devastating losses, and its previous Supreme Pontiff had been severely injured.
He had died not long afterward!!
"Indeed. What? Would you like to try my Hammer Technique too?"
Seeing the old fellow's astonished expression, Tang Hao spoke with a cold laugh.
At the same time, he released his martial soul-the Clear Sky Hammer!!
The hammer, larger than a person, appeared in his hand, radiating a terrifying aura.
Meanwhile, rings of light slowly rose from beneath his feet.
Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, red!!
Nine soul rings arranged themselves neatly around his body!!
At the sight, Dugu Bo instinctively retreated another half step.
Eleven years ago, he and this man had become Titled Douluos almost one after the other.
Now, eleven years later, the Clear Sky Douluo's fearsome reputation shook the entire continent.
He had even successfully advanced to Super Douluo!!
Meanwhile, he himself had remained stuck at level 90 for years.
Few people even knew his title of Poison Douluo.
That enormous disparity made him feel even more ashamed of his own inadequacy.
"Alas~ I know I am no match for you. Please show mercy and leave the valley and spirit spring intact once you have picked the herbs."
Dugu Bo's shoulders slumped as he sighed helplessly.
With that, he turned and left without looking back.
Watching him leave, the corners of Tang Hao's mouth lifted slightly.
Still, he said nothing more, and his aura remained extraordinarily terrifying.
After leaving Sunset Forest, Dugu Bo glanced back.
An endless sense of defeat surged through his heart, and he murmured to himself:
"The Clear Sky Douluo truly lives up to his reputation. To think he already has a son."
"Tang San?"
"Heh heh~"
Before you continue